What are the latest points to note when fertilizing potted flowers?

Potted flowers need fertilizing just as people need to eat; it is the absorption of nutrients and the maintenance of life. But fertilizing cannot be done blindly. When to fertilize and when not to fertilize, we must have a clear idea! If too much fertilizer is applied, or it is too concentrated, it will burn the root system, causing the plant's leaves to turn black, scorch and dry up, and fail to form buds or bloom, etc.

Different flowers, different periods and different fertilizers require different fertilizing methods. Do not imitate blindly; choose fertilizer and fertilizing methods according to the condition of your own flowers and plants. Flower fertilizing should be timely and appropriate, and you must also grasp the season and timing. Generally speaking, fertilize during the flower's growing season; vigorously growing flowers need more fertilizer; apply complete-element fertilizer at the seedling stage; during the flowering and fruiting stage, mainly apply phosphorus fertilizer; for foliage flowers, mainly apply nitrogen fertilizer; stop fertilizing flowers that are in the dormant period. In addition, you must grasp the principle of applying thin fertilizer frequently, that is, eat small meals more often.

So, what points should be noted when fertilizing potted flowers?

1. The roots must not come into contact with base fertilizer

When planting flowers, do not place the plant's root system directly on the base fertilizer; instead, add a layer of soil on top of the fertilizer. Otherwise, it will not only be unfavorable for the fertilizer to be fully absorbed and used, but will also damage the root system.

2. Newly planted plants must not be fertilized

Newly planted plants have many root wounds. If stimulated by external fertilizer effects, the wounds will not heal easily, causing root rot and even plant death. Some cuttings and seedlings that have not yet rooted after sowing also must not be fertilized.

3. Whether sick plants can be fertilized.

Diseased and weak plants have weak growth vigor, poor photosynthesis, slow metabolism and low ability to absorb fertilizer. If fertilizer is applied casually, it is instead likely to cause fertilizer damage.

4. Do not fertilize during the flowering period

Fertilizing during the flowering period will promote excessively vigorous vegetative growth, easily causing leggy growth and resulting in bud drop and flower drop.

5. Flowers must not be fertilized during the dormant period

Flowers stop or slow their growth during the dormant period. If fertilizer is applied, it will break dormancy, prompt the plant to continue growing, and affect flowering the next year.

6. Potted flowers must not be given concentrated fertilizer

When fertilizing flowers, you must strictly control the amount of fertilizer. Avoid excessive concentration or excessive dosage, otherwise it will burn the plant's root system and, in severe cases, cause death. Generally, thin fertilizer should be applied frequently.

7. Flowers must not be given undecomposed fertilizer

Applying incompletely decomposed organic fertilizer to flowers not only easily spreads pests and diseases, but the organic fertilizer will ferment and generate heat during the decomposition process, burning the plant's root system.

8. Do not fertilize directly under the root crown of flowers

As flower plants continue to grow, their root systems gradually expand accordingly. If fertilizer is applied under the root crown, it is instead unfavorable for full absorption and use. Therefore, depending on the plant's growth, apply fertilizer in holes at an appropriate distance from the roots or at the edge of the pot to facilitate root absorption.

9. Avoid dry application of topdressing and excessive fertilizing amount

The root systems of potted flower plants are relatively concentrated. If the water supply is insufficient after fertilizing, it often causes excessive local fertilizer concentration, causing the roots to suffer damage due to dehydration. When spraying foliar fertilizer, it is not recommended to do so under fierce sunlight, to avoid water evaporating and losing fertilizer effectiveness or causing leaf damage.